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CELEBRATE THE UPCOUNTY TRADFEST FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL AT BLACKROCK CENTER THROUGH MUSIC, ART, AND DANCE!

Writer: O. Cookie EstradaO. Cookie Estrada

Updated: Feb 6



Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira
Jocelyn Pettit and Ellen Gira

[Germantown, MD] – BlackRock Center for the Arts invites you to a vibrant celebration of Maryland’s rich cultural folk music traditions on March 29, 2025! The Upcounty Tradfest Music Festival will feature live music, dance, workshops, and artisan experiences that showcase the diversity and beauty of Maryland's artistic heritage. Supported by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington and the Maryland State Arts Council, this event promises something for everyone to enjoy.





Event Highlights Include:

  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

    • Free Workshops:

      • Appalachian Flatfooting with Meghan Mette

      • Traditional Irish Tin Whistle with Cushla Srour

  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • Free Artisan Market: Explore handcrafted goods and meet talented local artisans.

  • 2:00 PM - 3:50 PM

    • Free Student Performances:

      • 2:00 PM - School of Musical Traditions: Celtic Ensemble, led by Ellen Gira

      • 2:40 PM - SMT: Bluegrass Ensemble, led by Justin Heath

      • 3:20 PM - Baltimore Irish Music School, led by Richard Osban

  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    • Ticketed Event: Square Dance with Devil in the Mill and Janine Smith

      Experience the pulsing energy of Appalachian music, brought to life by Devil in the Mill and caller Janine Smith. With fiddles, banjo, guitar, and percussive dance, this is a performance sure to lift spirits and energize the dance floor.



  • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

    • Ticketed Event: Charm City Junction with Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira

      Baltimore’s own Charm City Junction pushes the boundaries of Old Time, Irish, and Bluegrass music with their energy and innovative sound. They will be joined by the dazzling duo Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira, whose captivating fiddle and cello harmonies and high-energy repertoire have earned acclaim across North America and the UK.


Charm City Junction
Charm City Junction

Tickets

Secure your spot for ticketed events by visiting Ticket Link.

Learn more about this incredible event in our Interview with Ellen Gira.


Devil in the Mill
Devil in the Mill

About BlackRock Center for the Arts

BlackRock Center for the Arts is the premier venue for performing arts and arts education in Upper Montgomery County, Maryland. Committed to fostering community engagement through the arts, BlackRock celebrates cultural diversity and supports local talent.

For press inquiries or interview requests, contact: O. Cookie Estrada

Phone: 240-344-6137

Social Media: @BlackRockCenter


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The Germantown Cultural Arts Center, Inc dba BlackRock Center for the Arts is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

BLACKROCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

12901 Town Commons Drive

Germantown, MD 20874 

301.528.2260 | info@blackrockcenter.org

HOURS (MAY VARY)

Mondays: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 12 PM – 6 PM

Saturday: 12 PM - 4 PM

Sunday: 9 AM - 2 PM (See gallery page for gallery hours!)

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